Labour unions embarks on indefinite strike despite last-minute National Assembly’s intervention

Despite the National Assembly’s efforts to reopen negotiations, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have resolved to proceed with their planned labour unions’ strike.

The leadership of the National Assembly, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, held an emergency meeting with key figures from the NLC and TUC, such as Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, respectively.

The meeting, which took place Sunday night in Abuja, also included Diket Plang and Adegboyega Adefarati, chairs of the Senate and House Committees on Labour, Employment, and Productivity.

The emergency meeting aimed to persuade the labour unions to delay their planned walkout scheduled for Monday, June 3, 2024, to protest the proposed increases in the minimum wage and electricity rates.

The National Assembly hoped to “avert the impending industrial action” to prevent significant public and economic disruptions.

However, despite these efforts, the NLC and TUC remain steadfast in their decision to strike.

The labour unions’ strike is set to begin, bringing uncertainty to public services and economic activities. Whether a last-minute compromise can be reached remains uncertain as the situation develops.

The outcome of this critical meeting will determine whether the labour unions’ strike proceeds as planned or if an agreement can be reached to prevent the industrial action.